BUSHIRI BANG TO RIGHTS
Hibernian’s fans, players, manager and coaching staff were all incensed when referee Willie Collum awarded Rangers a penalty two minutes before half-time in the cinch Premiership match at Easter Road this afternoon.
Video replays of the incident which led to spot kick award proved inconclusive. Those of a Hibs persuasion were convinced it was a shocking decision. For followers of Rangers, meanwhile, it was a stonewaller. Pundits were also divided. VAR is going to be a right laugh when it is introduced to the Scottish game.
But what was Rocky Bushiri thinking about putting his hands on Antonio Colak when the striker was so far away from the ball? Maybe his opponent went down softly, perhaps he was unable to stay on his feet. Either way, he gave the referee a decision to make. Contact was definitely made.
Collum, though, was definitely correct just to show Bushiri a yellow card as the centre half had not denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
MORELOS MADNESS
The red card that John Lundstram received for a foul on Martin Boyle inside the Rangers half in the second-half looked harsh.
Yes, the midfielder had brought down the forward, who had scored Hibs' first goal earlier, as he advanced upfield. But a straight red? A yellow would probably have sufficed.
Alfredo Morelos, however, could have no complaints about receiving exactly the same punishment as a team mate shortly after he replaced Colak in attack.
His flailing outstretched arm clearly struck the face of Hibs substitute Marijan Cabraya. It might not have been malicious, but it was certainly rash, stupid and pointless.
Rangers may choose to appeal to the SFAs against the ordering off in the coming days. But if the Colombian striker has to serve a suspension he has only himself to blame. Being sidelined will set back his recovery from a long-term injury.
TOOTHLESS RANGERS
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side could have been 3-0 ahead and had another three points wrapped up by half-time in Leith today if they had shown greater ruthlessness in the final third.
Ryan Kent and Tom Lawrence had chances to put the visitors in front in the Hibs area before James Tavernier finally netted his penalty – but the former cut inside and the latter played a pass when they both had time and space to shoot.
Football is a simple game. Rangers' players were guilty of overcomplicating things, of taking an unnecessary extra touch and of making the wrong decision during the opening 45 minutes.
Lawrence rounded off a well-worked move in the second-half with a powerful header. But that was the only occasion the Glasgow side really impressed in the final third during the entire match.
It need not have been such a disappointing trip to the capital for the travelling fans. Tavernier and his fellow players would be well advised to try their luck when they get up front in future. They will not kill off their rivals until they do.
